This comprehensive resource supports claimants by cataloguing the adjudication status of all Montana basins. In addition, it explains adjudication in easy-to-understand language, addresses key points that water-right holders should know, and helps explain challenges that might arise.
At its heart, the website is a mapping tool that allows users to search for their address and quickly gather the most up-to-date information about the adjudication status of all Montana basins. Once users find the decree status of their property, they can view background documentation and get recommendations for actions to take now, as well as next steps. “It’s one-of-a-kind in Montana,” Bryan says of this innovative tool.
“This website can be a critical tool for anyone with a pre-1973 claim, whether that means municipalities, farm and ranch owners, or newer property owners with a stock or small irrigation right from a creek or a river,” Bryan says.
Bryan points out that its relevance goes beyond surface water, since adjudication includes groundwater, like spring and well rights. It can also be valuable for mining and other industries.
Geosyntec and Aspect are launching the website at a key moment. After four decades of work, the Montana Water Court is now accelerating toward completion of the adjudication process for the state’s 85 watershed basins and the over 215,000 pre-1973 water-right claims therein. Claimants must act within the Water Court’s tight timeframe to protect their assets and maintain their position relative to other water-right holders in the basin.
In addition to the information on the website, claimants can contact our team to better understand how the process works and get help analyzing their specific claim, whether through desktop research or a site investigation. The Geosyntec and Aspect team also offer expert witness testimony and can use their familiarity with water rights attorneys in the state to help put claimants in touch with the right person to handle their issues.
“The biggest thing,” Bryan says, “is don’t wait.”
“The Water Court is moving fast,” he continues. “Once the deadlines for a basin have passed and the court has issued a final decree, your chance to act will have vanished. The Montana Adjudication site and the team behind it are ready to act.”
About the Team
Bryan Gartland
Adam Perine
Jared Bean
More Information
Learn more about how Geosyntec supports clients with water rights issues. bryan.gartland@aspectconsulting.com , Adam at Adam.Perine@aspectconsulting.com , or Jared at jared.bean@aspectconsulting.com.
